NATO Foreign Ministers discuss partnerships

At a dinner meeting on 7 December 2011, NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs discussed how to further engage with countries the Middle East and North Africa following the Arab Spring, as well as with partners in the Euro-Atlantic area.

Ministers welcomed the significant events that have taken place in North Africa and the Middle East and agreed to deepen political and practical cooperation with interested countries in the region.

Ministers said that NATO stands ready to consider requests for partnership and cooperation with NATO from countries in the region, including Libya, and looked forward for proposals to be developed for the Chicago Summit.

“As significant events continue to unfold in North Africa and the Middle East, we need to deepen our dialogue and cooperation with countries from those regions that are in interested in strengthening ties with us”, the Secretary General said. “For those who ask for assistance, we have unique expertise to share, especially in defence and security sector reform.“

Ministers also discussed relations with countries that have supported NATO politically and operationally. They reaffirmed the Alliance’s open door policy, welcomed progress that aspirant countries have made and encouraged them to continue to implement the necessary decisions and reforms to advance their Euro-Atlantic aspirations.